Mr Hass still holds clinics at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, as an ocularist.

But now he is close to retirement and when he switches off his bunsen burner for good there will be no more glass eye makers in Britain.

Czech artist Ondrej Novotny

“This is one of the last chances to see him in action before he retires. This is a really great example of glass being used for good,” explains Janine.

Scents and Sensibility will showcase the history of perfumery and the use of glass as a product to contain and preserve scent. There will also be a world-record attempt for the longest length of glass-bunting.

One of the highlights of the event is the British Glass Biennale – a world-renowned exhibition of excellence in contemporary glass which features the work of 63 contemporary artists selected by jury.

Simon Bruntnell

Since its inception in 2004 the Biennale has awarded £100,000 worth of prizes to artists.

This year’s main prize winners will be announced at the festival launch on August 24 but visitors will also have the chance to vote in one category until September 4.

Among those keeping their fingers crossed is Jonathan Michie, a student at Sunderland University, who has entered his complex creation, Pursued by a Bear, which was hand-built and includes LED lights.

Other work on show during the festival includes a sculpture of glass heads by Czech artist Martin Janecky.